Sam Schmidt Motorsports, Braun Team Up for Indy 500 Entry
Ralph Braun (left) and Sam Schmidt
The Braun Corporation now has stakes in the Indy 500. The automotive accessibility manufacturer has teamed up with Sam Schmidt Motorsports to sponsor car No. 99—the BraunAbility/Sam Schmidt Motorsports Dallara/Honda/Firestone car.
Car No. 99 is a team-mate of the No. 77 Schmidt Hamilton HP Motorsports car to be driven by Simon Pagenaud in this year’s “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
The driver of the No. 99 BraunAbility/Sam Schmidt Motorsports car has yet to be named.
“This relationship with the Braun Corporation is more than just a sponsorship to me,” said SSM owner Sam Schmidt. “Ralph Braun has been an inspiration to me since my accident, showing constant drive and determination to build a company of over 800 employees that delivers life-changing equipment to people with disabilities, including myself."
Schmidt endured a spinal cord injury during a testing crash in January 2000, a few months after earning his first IndyCar victory. He plans to enter six cars in races in May at the Speedway, including four Firestone Indy Lights cars racing in the Firestone Freedom 100.
"Racing has always been one of the great loves in my life," said Ralph Braun. "Another is giving people with mobility challenges a way to get on the road to fully experience their lives. Bringing those two loves together at the Indy 500 fulfills a lifelong dream for me."
Practice for the Indianapolis 500 begins May 12. “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” starts at noon ET May 27.